On Monday May 6, the East Coast made a Westside connection at the Gramercy Theatre with a performance from XXL Freshman Class of 2012 alum Kid Ink.

The opening act of the night – Queens representative Bryant Dope – properly prepped the stage before Ink completely demolished it. Bryant hit the stage at 8:30 PM for a set that began earlier than most hip hop heads are accustomed. Taking to the mic 15 minutes later than expected, he wasted no time gaining attention of the packed crowd.

“Come on, bounce!” Dope implored, inciting the first real reactions from the crowd that night. While the young and enthusiastic audience awkwardly bumped and grinded along to the DJ, the venue wasn’t quite popping until Bryant made his entrance. Obviously in alliance with the undeniable force of the Beast Coast, his lyrical content quickly grabbed the crowd’s attention, including the group of devoted fans in front singing along verbatim. The crowd’s favorite renditions included Dope’s “Everything Gorgeous” and his latest singles “Generation Y” and “ANTHM” off his recent New New York tape. The Queens MC’s energy lit the room and easily intrigued a few newfound fans.

Following Bryant Dope’s set, Kid Ink erupted on stage with an electrifying performance, arriving at the very moment some audience members became visibly antsy. Powering through a climatic 18-track set in only 40 minutes, he fittingly kicked off the performance with “Firestorm” from his latest mixtape RocketShipShawty. From the crowd rushing to the front barrier for his song “La La La” to a shared smoke session with a fan during “Lost in the Sauce,” it’s safe to say that Kid Ink gave a mesmerizing performance. Other notable moments include Ink pouring water on the crowd during “What It Do” and adoring fans losing control after he tossed out his shirt before tearing through “Tat It Up.”

“Every time I come out here, I have a great time,” Kid Ink said minutes before jumping into the sea of fans in front of him. Signing hats, dollar bills, tickets and anything else fans could grab, the show appeared to come to an abrupt end as his Alumni Affiliate, DJ Tech, began to run through a set of the latest radio hits. With some unsure whether Kid Ink was taking a break, it became clear that the show had ended by the time Kid Ink returned to the stage to grab his belongings.

Still, few attendees left the venue disappointed. – Written By Jasmine “Jazzi” Johnson (@bubbleMAMI)

2012 XXL Freshman Don Trip is back a new mixtape, Help Is On The Way. Guest spots include Juicy J and Yo Gotti whilst the likes of Cool & Dre, Boi1da and Yung Berg handle production duties. Stream the mixtape in it’s entirety below or download it here.

Jenny Boom Boom of Hartford, Connecticut’s Hot 93.7 had the opportunity to speak with A$AP Rocky during last week’s 2102 BET Awards. The interview started off with the Harlem rapper complementing the Caucasian radio host about her appearance. Then, Jenny Boom Boom immediately followed up with a personal question towards A$AP Rocky, referring to his relationship status with the Australian rapper (and former XXL Freshman), Iggy Azalea.

The response from A$AP Rocky was fairly nonchalant as he casually replied, “No, I’m not dating her. But I do like blondes.” The radio host quickly followed up asking if the relationship between the two rappers was over. Rocky, however, dodged the query and responded with a question of his own: “How do you know there ever was a relationship?”

Reports of the two up-and-coming rappers involved in a romantic relationship initially surfaced last year when series of photos featuring Rocky and Azalea were posted online. Though the two rappers have never confirmed the alleged relationship, both fans and media outlets have been speculating about their status. Iggy Azalea has also showcased a tattoo on her little, ring, and middle fingers with inked characters: LIVE, LOVE, A$AP.

The short segment between Jenny Boom Boom and A$AP Rocky, in regards to the rapper’s relationship status with Iggy Azalea, also includes A$AP jokingly dodging claims of having sexual intercourse with the Australian rapper.—Jaeki Cho

It’s no secret that Machine Gun Kelly and Yelawolf don’t like each other.

So, when MGK heard Yela insult him over the radio on Friday (June 29), he didn’t wait long to fire back.

“I love him, man,” the Bad Boy rapper sarcastically told MTV News on the red carpet for Sunday night’s (July 1) 2012 BET Awards. “You gotta respect your elders and he’s an old man, so I gotta give it up. I respect all grandpas around the world doin’ it big. Salute.”

MGK is 22 to Yela’s 32. The “Wild Boy” rhyme slinger was responding to Yela, who said, “It’s probably the most insulting thing on the fucking planet to be asked to sign an MGK autograph,” on Shade 45’s All Out radio show Friday, when the program’s host asked him about being confused by fans for Kells.

Static between the two MCs dates back to last year, when MGK voiced his opinion, feeling like Yela took some shots at him during the 2011 BET Hip Hop Awards Shady Records cypher. To that, Yela responded that his bars weren’t targeted for MGK, but addressed the rapper anyway in an interview with Bootleg Kev: “Machine Gun Kelly, if you want it, come get it,” the Alabama MC said. “Drop your verse, do whatever you want to do. If you want to take it there, we can take it there.”

While the two XXL Freshmen probably don’t see eye-to-eye on much, they’ve both been vocal about their issues with their label home, Interscope.

During Friday’s Shade 45 interview, Yela expressed the feeling like he doesn’t think Interscope is setting him up to succeed.

“Radioactive, the last project I put out, was deliberately given to Interscope and it was on a fucking silver platter, given to them to work,” Yela said in in reference to his major- label debut, which dropped last November. “Like radio records after radio records, purposely, was my attempt. These muthathuckas have given me one single in 11 months. You know? So it’s like I don’t really understand where the importance is lined. That’s just me being real. Every artist gets frustrated at some point, I imagine, but I’ve never been one to hold my tongue and that’s just where I’m at.”

Before that, MGK had voiced his frustration with the same label for what he felt was forcing him to record his single, “Invincible.”

“First off, I hated the song when I first did it, because it was brought to me by corporate America,” he said on a recent interview with Tampa Bay’s WiLD 94.1 radio station. “They didn’t even come to me with the song. It was like a contest between the Interscope rappers like Yelawolf, Kendrick Lamar and myself, which I [later] found out.”—Jakinder Singh

]]>http://www.xxlmag.com/xxl-magazine/2012/07/machine-gun-kelly-responds-to-yelawolf-hes-an-old-man/feed/13Kathy Griffin Responds to A$AP Rocky and Danny Brown: “I’m in Love With These Guys”http://www.xxlmag.com/xxl-magazine/2012/07/kathy-griffin-responds-to-aap-rocky-and-danny-brown-im-in-love-with-these-guys/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=kathy-griffin-responds-to-aap-rocky-and-danny-brown-im-in-love-with-these-guys
http://www.xxlmag.com/xxl-magazine/2012/07/kathy-griffin-responds-to-aap-rocky-and-danny-brown-im-in-love-with-these-guys/#commentsMon, 02 Jul 2012 22:22:59 +0000http://www.xxlmag.com/?p=223377Attention A$AP Rocky and Danny Brown: Kathy Griffin is down for a good time.

Last month, A$AP Rocky and Danny Brown chopped it up poolside, as part of a viral series for Noisey. During the conversation between the two rappers, each MC said they’d have sex with Griffin.

Although Griffin said she doesn’t know who A$AP or Danny is on her BRAVO show, Kathy, the comedian did say that she was “flattered” by the rappers’ sentiments.

“I’m famous,” Griffin said. “I feel quite famous. Is it wrong that I’m flattered by this tape? I can’t help, but find it charming. I kinda have to [book them on her show]. I’m in love with these guys.”

She said that, before joking:

“I will pull a train.”

During A$AP and Brown’s hilarious five-part conversation series for Noisey, each MC shared a laundry list of famous women that they’d each want to sleep with.—Christian Bonoan

Tip and Iggy get ready for a ‘murder bizness’ as CivilTV gets an exclusive look behind the scenes of the Hustle Gang duo’s upcoming video.

]]>http://www.xxlmag.com/news/2012/06/behind-the-scenes-of-iggy-azalea-t-i-s-murda-bizness-video/feed/2Waka Flocka and Kid Ink Debut in Top 20 of Billboardhttp://www.xxlmag.com/xxl-magazine/2012/06/waka-flocka-and-kid-ink-debut-in-top-20-of-billboard/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=waka-flocka-and-kid-ink-debut-in-top-20-of-billboard
http://www.xxlmag.com/xxl-magazine/2012/06/waka-flocka-and-kid-ink-debut-in-top-20-of-billboard/#commentsWed, 20 Jun 2012 15:06:37 +0000http://www.xxlmag.com/?p=220468XXL cover subjects debuted on the Billboard charts with new albums this week...]]>It was a good week for two artists who recently graced the cover of XXL, as albums from both Waka Flocka and Kid Ink debuted in the top 20 of the Billboard 200.

Waka, who’s donning the most recent cover of XXL for the June issue, saw his sophomore album, Triple F Life: Fans, Friends & Family, come in at No. 10 in its first week. The Warner Bros. release sold 33,200 units, making it the highest selling rap release of the week. The album follows up the dreadlock-rocking artist’s 2010 debut, Flockaveli.

A few spots down, 2012 XXL Freshman Kid Ink and his debut album, Up & Away, comes in at No. 20. Released by Tha Alumni Music Group, the album made a great majority of its 19,800 sales online, as it has been sitting comfortably at No. 1 on the iTunes Top Hip-Hop/Rap Albums charts since its release. Ink, currently weighing offers from major labels, is sure to earn even more attention with the success of the album.

Another XXL Freshman, Big K.R.I.T., from the 2011 class, lands at No. 31 this week. His Def Jam debut, Live From The Underground, which entered the charts at No. 4 last week, sold 12,100 copies in its second week, bringing his total to 53,400 over that two-week span. Coming in right behind Krizzle at No. 33, Nicki Minaj’s Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded is still moving units, having sold 12,000 discs in its eleventh week.

Down at No. 78, another independent album entered the charts, as Stevie Stone’s Strange Music debut, Rollin’ Stone, sold 6,500 units in its first week.

Yesterday, a couple Southern vets returned, as Pastor Troy dropped his album The Last Outlaw, and Juvenile released his Rejuvination, while New York native Smoke DZA released his Rugby Thompson. —Adam Fleischer (@AdamXXL)

]]>http://www.xxlmag.com/xxl-magazine/2012/06/waka-flocka-and-kid-ink-debut-in-top-20-of-billboard/feed/3Machine Gun Kelly on Chris Brown/Drake Fight: “That’s The Coolest Thing Ever, Man”http://www.xxlmag.com/xxl-magazine/2012/06/machine-gun-kelly-on-chris-browndrake-fight-thats-the-coolest-thing-ever-man/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=machine-gun-kelly-on-chris-browndrake-fight-thats-the-coolest-thing-ever-man
http://www.xxlmag.com/xxl-magazine/2012/06/machine-gun-kelly-on-chris-browndrake-fight-thats-the-coolest-thing-ever-man/#commentsTue, 19 Jun 2012 18:40:02 +0000http://www.xxlmag.com/?p=220230Roscoe Dash was the first 2012 XXL freshman to publicly share his thoughts about the Chris Brown/Drake alleged confrontation, and Machine Gun Kelly has now become the latest. MGK is no stranger to wild incidents and was even initially tied to the Breezy/Drizzy situation when it was rumored that the New York Police Department banned him from New York’s Highline Ballroom. Still, Kelly has been calm for almost a month thanks to fear of losing his deal.

“I think that’s the beauty of like a real rapper,” Kelly told Hot 97. “You’re like, “Yo, this guy says it, and he lives it.” That’s what makes it sweet… When people ask me about the Drake and Chris Brown thing, I’m like, ‘Yo, that’s the coolest thing that happened in hip-hop for a long time. Thank you for fighting.’ You know what I mean? No one ever does that anymore; that’s so wack; that’s so ridiculous, man. So ridiculous. They ask me how does that feel; I’m like, ‘That’s the coolest thing ever, man.’”

However, incidents like that is what Kelly has been able to avoid recently.

“I’m on like a three-week-and-four-days of sobriety of anger,” MGK answered when Hot 97’s Peter Rosenberg asked if he was happy.

MGK’s unique sobriety is timely, being that it almost cost him his label deal and management.

“So, I was about to basically be shelved at my label, and my management was going to leave because I have the worst attitude in the world,” the Bad Boy artist revealed.

The concerns MGK’s camp has had about his attitude originated with the conflict between him and Shady’s Yelawolf and deepened once Kelly started getting banned from venues like one in Seattle and Highline, not to mention the five lawsuits currently pending against him.

“This is the first time I really talked about it, but it got really serious,” Kelly said. “I almost got kicked off the tour too ‘cause me and Tech [N9ne] have a really great relationship but I would be like beefing with other people on the tour… Tech was really fighting for me, which was crazy. Now that I have to look back on it, I can’t believe I was that unappreciative.”

The Ohioan was scared of becoming a commercial sellout early in his career, but it was not until his circle of friends advised him to calm down that he began taking steps to better the chances of his career evolving further.

“I just recently was assigned security,” Kelly voiced. “What’s funny [is] I did not get security to keep people away from me; it was to keep me away from people.”

Apart from the guards, MGK has a plan to release one song after each time he is negatively portrayed in a tabloid, such as he did in his new record “The Highline Ballroom Sound Check,” which was sparked by his assumption that Rosenberg does not consider him to be lyrical. What’s more, although management does not want Kelly to get into beefs with rappers, he, who enjoyed Pusha T’s “Exodus 23:1,” still might, as he feels it is a part of the culture and wants to be true to himself.

“I think couldn’t not make a song called ‘Wild Boy’ and not be a wild boy,” MGK shared.—Christopher Minaya

]]>http://www.xxlmag.com/xxl-magazine/2012/06/machine-gun-kelly-on-chris-browndrake-fight-thats-the-coolest-thing-ever-man/feed/9Roscoe Dash Blasts Drake and Meek Mill Over Chris Brown Fighthttp://www.xxlmag.com/xxl-magazine/2012/06/roscoe-dash-blasts-drake-and-meek-mill-over-chris-brown-fight/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=roscoe-dash-blasts-drake-and-meek-mill-over-chris-brown-fight
http://www.xxlmag.com/xxl-magazine/2012/06/roscoe-dash-blasts-drake-and-meek-mill-over-chris-brown-fight/#commentsThu, 14 Jun 2012 19:34:05 +0000http://www.xxlmag.com/?p=219166An updated report alleging that it was Meek Mill who hit Chris Brown with a bottle at an NYC nightclub last night (June 13)—and not Drake as originally reported—has created a stir on the Internet.

One MC to weigh in on the alleged situation, which left Brown with a nasty gash on his chin, was 2012 XXL Freshman Roscoe Dash.

“All imma say is jumping niggas and swinging bottles over a woman who doesn’t belong to ANYBODY!!! Aynt gangsta at all!.. no points given,” Roscoe tweeted. “I gotta say Lost alota respect for @drake & @meekmill out of all the niggas who Dnt like yall y’all chose to retaliate against @chrisbrown.

“Just voicing my opinion there’s wayyy more important shit to start fight abt than features and women #thatisall,” Dash continued. “Now everybody’s mad too bad idgaf but for the record I Dnt have a prob with @drake or @meekmill I just can’t support sucka shit…”

By that time, Meek had heard enough.

The Philadelphia rhyme slinger and MMG MC shot back at Dash:

“@Roscoedash you gotta chill b4 you b tweeting my name in some shit i wasn’t even really in! Stay in ya lane!”

Retorted Dash:

“@MeekMill lmao there aynt no lanes on this BIG ass hwy my brother but like I said I’m just voicing my opinion.”

Dash was not present for the bar brawl at WIP nightclub in New York City on Wednesday night, but sources told TMZ that they seen Meek and Drake hanging out together, before an argument between the MMG rapper and Brown flared. That’s when Meek reportedly hit Brown with a bottle. The NYPD told XXLMag.com that five people were injured and although arrests weren’t made, they could still happen pending an investigation.—Jakinder Singh

A$AP Rocky and Danny Brown sit down to go back and forth about picking up girls on Facebook, popping Molly and the hassles of the music industry.

]]>http://www.xxlmag.com/news/2012/06/aap-rocky-danny-brown-talk-sex-drugs-music-video/feed/1Kid Ink, Up & Awayhttp://www.xxlmag.com/rap-music/reviews/2012/06/kid-ink-up-away/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=kid-ink-up-away
http://www.xxlmag.com/rap-music/reviews/2012/06/kid-ink-up-away/#commentsTue, 12 Jun 2012 18:00:35 +0000http://www.xxlmag.com/?p=218244Up & Away...]]>Kid Ink’s got a lot to prove. Despite gracing the cover of this year’s XXL Freshmen issue—as well as releasing three well-received mixtapes (Crash Landing, Daydreamer and Wheels Up)— the Los Angeles native still has the arduous task of shaking the weight of naysayers and skeptics who tag him as unoriginal. That’s no biggie for the tatted MC, however—or, at less, he makes it seem that way, as he lets his talents shine on his debut indie release, Up & Away. “Don’t worry about me, bitch I came for the doubt,” Ink promptly affirms on the album’s intro “No One Left.”

On the 12-track release, he effectively displays his songmaker potential, and though he doesn’t mesmerize lyrically, sonically it gels. If the infectious single “Time Of Your Life” hasn’t become an eardrum fixture yet, then joints like the breezy “Is It You” or the head-spinning “Walk In the Club” and indelible “Lost In the Sauce” will. Aside from a few average joints (“Drippin’,” “Rumpshaker”), the album possesses a potent cohesion of stirring songs. On the chest-pumping, carefree anthem, “Neva Gave A Fuck,” the Alumni Music Group rapper coos the confidence of a champion—boasting, “Signing titties all night, still I won’t sign a deal”—and later shows there’s no need for an X-Ray to see what he’s made of on the reflective closer “Hell & Back.”

Backed by head-nodding production from the likes of Jahlil Beats, Cardiak, Ned Cameron and more, the indie LP exhibits why major labels have been courting the 2012 XXL Freshman. As he puts it on “Hell & Back,” “Long way to the top I could barely see the steps/Yeah they sleeping on me still, but I barely need the rest…” —Ralph Bristout (@XXLRalph)

Miller licenses Macklemore’s & Ryan Lewis’ “Can’t Hold Us” for their new television ad, which just recently launched in Ireland.

]]>http://www.xxlmag.com/news/2012/05/macklemore-ryan-lewis-miller-time-commercial-video/feed/1B.o.B Cracks 100K Total Sales, Nicki Minaj Nears Goldhttp://www.xxlmag.com/xxl-magazine/2012/05/b-o-b-cracks-100k-total-sales-nicki-minaj-nears-gold/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=b-o-b-cracks-100k-total-sales-nicki-minaj-nears-gold
http://www.xxlmag.com/xxl-magazine/2012/05/b-o-b-cracks-100k-total-sales-nicki-minaj-nears-gold/#commentsWed, 16 May 2012 17:04:41 +0000http://www.xxlmag.com/?p=209905Billboard 200 included similar albums as the last few weeks]]>In its second week in stores, B.o.B’s sophomore album Strange Clouds didn’t sell as many units as its first time out, but it did crack the 100,400 sold threshold this week.

The Atlantic records release moved a shred under 25,000 over the seven-day span, good for No. 12 on the Billboard 200 and enough to move Bobby Ray’s total to 101,000 since the album’s release. The projet still has some catching up to do if it hopes to be on par with the ATLien’s recent single, “So Good,” which was certified platinum last week.

Two other sophomore efforts also landed in the top 40 this week, as releases from Young Money royalty Nicki Minaj and Drake continued moving units. Minaj hit No. 21, selling 17,600, to move her Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded total to 453,500 since it dropped on April 3. Meanwhile, Drizzy’s November release, Take Care, sold 11,000 copies, good enough to land him at No. 38 on this week’s chart and bring his half-year total to 1.7 million. A few slots down, 2012 XXL Freshman Future comes in at No. 49, with his debut album, Pluto, selling 8,700 discs to bring his six-week total to 79,000.

Licensed To Ill, the seminal debut from the Beastie Boys, hit No. 29 this week, selling 13,600 units and slipping 11 slots. Group member Adam “MCA” Yauch passed away on May 4.

A bit further down the chart, Top Dawg Ent. rhymer Ab Soul’s Control System, which dropped on Friday, rather than Tuesday, like other releases, hit No. 91, with 5,300 units sold.

Next week, look for new albums from veteran independent acts Killer Mike (R.A.P. Music) and Krizz Kaliko (Kickin’ & Screamin’) to land on the Billboard 200. —Adam Fleischer (@AdamXXL)

XXL Freshman, Macklemore sits down with HardKnockTV to discuss the possibility of signing with a major, his influences and more.

]]>http://www.xxlmag.com/xxl-magazine/2012/04/macklemore-talks-new-album-and-influences-video/feed/2French Montana & The Coke Boys, Coke Boys 3http://www.xxlmag.com/rap-music/reviews/2012/04/french-montana-the-coke-boys-coke-boys-3/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=french-montana-the-coke-boys-coke-boys-3
http://www.xxlmag.com/rap-music/reviews/2012/04/french-montana-the-coke-boys-coke-boys-3/#commentsThu, 19 Apr 2012 18:00:31 +0000http://www.xxlmag.com/?p=202659XXL Freshman cover, French Montana teams with The Coke Boys for the release of Coke Boys 3...]]>“Rappin’ never been part of the plan/Gettin’ bricks 35, Kevin Durant,” French Montana admits, in a half-baked monotone, on “Headquarter,” from his latest musical venture, Coke Boys 3. The revelation that the 2012 XXL Freshman hasn’t had rapper aspirations his entire life shouldn’t come as much of a surprise to anyone who’s heard any of his records. And that’s not a knock. The truth is, this sort of cavalier admission, mixed with mindless dope boy posturing, reflects exactly why French has been resonating with fans and rappers, and landed a deal with Bad Boy late last year following a major label bidding war. He’s rich in a particular asset that, in 2012, can be more important than lyricism or even an ear for strong production: a magnetic persona.

The Bronx-bred rapper has brought his Coke Boy cronies Flip, Cheeze, Chinx Drugz, and Charlie Rock along for the ride here for a collective effort. The gang show up kicking bars full of run-of-the-mill tomgoonery, and while the lines and their authors aren’t particularly foul, French’s cohorts aren’t able to stand out on the project, either. There are other guest spots that compliment French well. A sample flip of Wu Tang’s “C.R.E.A.M” is bolstered with an assist from Wale, and Bad Boy colleague Red Café impresses on “Headquarter” before French takes over on the moaning hook, “Ahhhhh, I be so high, and that bullshit don’t bother meeee.”

What’s especially impressive is how French has grown to be able to anchor songs ranging from Rick Ross-esque street bangers (“Dirty Money”) to laid back summertime gems like the Harry Fraud-produced “Tap That,” featuring the late Stack Bundles. Even the lackluster songs here fall into a “so bad it’s good,” intangible category. A five minute skit entitled “Pussy Quint” (Um…Just listen to it for yourself) is followed with the dancehall inspired “Husband and Wife,” and “100” samples Adele’s “Fire To The Rain.” While neither are the tape’s strongest cuts, they’re still rife with comedic moments courtesy of the Bad Boy signee, with lines like “Hittin’ Key West/That’s a muthafucka, Delonte West.”

Omnipresent throughout French’s sound is the influence of his pal Max B, but French has already been able to take it to a level Max B didn’t reach before his untimely incarceration. What this all adds up to is French Montana’s developing character within the hip-hop landscape which mirrors early stages of careers like Rozay’s. (He’s even got the infectious “Coke Boy Baby” tag, similar to Ross’ “Maybach Music” drop.) The idea of French Montana is appealing; so, by extension listeners want to enjoy his music. With Coke Boys 3, he makes that easy. —Neil Martinez – Belkin (@Neil_MB)

]]>http://www.xxlmag.com/rap-music/reviews/2012/04/french-montana-the-coke-boys-coke-boys-3/feed/19Future, Plutohttp://www.xxlmag.com/rap-music/reviews/2012/04/future-pluto/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=future-pluto
http://www.xxlmag.com/rap-music/reviews/2012/04/future-pluto/#commentsTue, 17 Apr 2012 18:00:51 +0000http://www.xxlmag.com/?p=200632XXL Freshman Future deliver his anticipated debut, Pluto, full of addictive hooks and syrupy flows...]]>In the past year, 2012 XXL Freshman Future has used addictively simple hooks and a syrupy flow to become one of the hottest MCs in the game. With Pluto, the Atlanta native proved himself worthy of the buzz by crafting what may become one the best commercial debuts of the year.

When he sticks to the formula that made songs like “Magic” and “Tony Montana” into smash hits, Future is one of the most exciting artists around. The ATLien struggles, however, when he strays too far from the lane he carved for himself and instead attempts a song like “Neva End,” a cringe-worthy ballad that finds him crooning for a young lady to “put the past behind us and go where no one can find us.”

Though the album stalls when the rookie strays from his blueprint, the phenom hit-maker’s potential as a song maker is undeniable. His energy radiates through the speakers on the Sonny Digital-produced “Same Damn Time,” and he is in his element on the album’s celebratory closing track, “You Deserve It” as he triumphantly takes credit for his success.

Pluto may be far from the sun, but Future shines brightest when he aligns with the stars. “I’m Trippin” mixes his sticky delivery with the signature bounce of Juicy J, creating one of the most stimulating songs on the album. Snoop Dogg, Trae the Truth, Drake and T.I. all make appearances as well, but it’s R. Kelly who steals the guest show. He makes his return to the hip-hop world on “Parachute,” a soaring duet that will burn up the airwaves this summer thanks in part to lines like “Her ass got a voice and it sings acapella.”

Pluto’s most surprising feature is Dungeon Family legend Big Rube, the gravel-voiced MC that made his name reciting spoken word poetry on the interludes of OutKast classics. On the intro to Pluto, Rube recites a short poem that sets the tone for the entire project. “No longer can I remain earthbound,” flowed Rube as futuristic synths and a pulsing bass build behind him,” “The Future Is Now.” Prepare for take off. —Calvin Stovall

XXL wrapped up its Freshmen Live Tour in New York City on Monday (April 9) and fans got a special treat as all 10 2012 class picks hit the stage with special guests that included ScHoolBoy Q, DJ Khaled and Tech N9ne, among others. We polled our readers to ask them which of the performers was their favorite that night, and here are the results:

]]>http://www.xxlmag.com/xxl-magazine/2012/04/fans-vote-are-you-excited-about-a-potential-lil-wayneeminem-tour-poll-results/feed/15Behind XXL‘s Freshman Live Concerthttp://www.xxlmag.com/news/2012/04/behind-xxls-freshman-live-concert/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=behind-xxls-freshman-live-concert
http://www.xxlmag.com/news/2012/04/behind-xxls-freshman-live-concert/#commentsWed, 11 Apr 2012 15:44:40 +0000http://www.xxlmag.com/?p=199759XXL as its staff takes you behind the scenes of the 2012 Freshman Concert at the Best Buy Theater...]]>

The entire 2012 XXL Freshman Class took the Best Buy Theater stage by storm in New York City Monday night (April 9). Fans got to see Macklemore win the unfamiliar audience over, Future perform alongside his Moon Man mascot and Hopsin and Machine Gun Kelly, crowd surf, but plenty more happened behind the stage. Concertgoers walked through Best Buy’s doors roughly around 7 p.m., but XXL‘s staff arrived hours earlier to prep for the evening. Here’s a behind the scenes look at XXL‘s Freshman Live Concert Finale.—XXL Staff (@XXLStaff)

Monday April 9, 2012…3:30 p.m.

As we’re arriving to the venue, we see a line of fans sitting outside. First girl in line was Ashley, who wore a Kid Ink sweatshirt. Both Ink and his manager DJ Ill Will knew her from coming to so many of Ink’s shows. The sweatshirt she wore, which Ink wore in a music video, was specially made as a replica.

Monday April 9, 2012…5:23 p.m.

A few of the XXL staffers bump into Iggy Azalea during sound check. It’s the first time some of them have seen her since the Freshman photoshoot. “Where’s Taco?” Iggy immediately asks, inquiring about the dog of Editor-In-Chief, Vanessa Satten. Most of the freshmen had gotten pretty friendly with Taco during the shoot. When hearing of Taco’s absence Iggy simulates a fit. “That’s bullshit,” she shouts, throwing her pink hoodie onto the ground repeatedly. Digital Content Director, Carl Chery, jumps in and throws Iggy’s hoodie on the floor as well.

Monday April 9, 2012…5:39 p.m.

Roscoe Dash and his crew go through sound check. Some chord not properly arranged on stage upsets Roscoe’s spazzing hypeman; who is somewhat reminiscent of Pastor Troy. “We just got off a flight right now, and I’m hungry! I don’t need y’all unprofessional…” the hypeman ranted. Roscoe, however, carried himself calmly and politely consulted with the sound crew. He apologized for his hypeman’s rowdy antics, while also presenting his team’s concerns.

Monday April 9, 2012…7:37 p.m.

As the XXL staff relaxes in one of the three dressing rooms, Kid Ink arrives with his entourage, and staffers leave the room ’cause the rapper needs to blaze.

Hopsin is the only MC left in the fan’s meet and greet session. While Don Trip and Ink, the MCs who joined him during the autograph left to prepare as the show’s opening acts. Hopsin didn’t mind signing autographs and taking pictures with seemingly every fan.

Monday April 9, 2012…8:29 p.m.

Macklemore is spotted rocking a red hoodie and a fur vest. The vest looks somewhat like an accessory from a supernatural fantasy show like Xena the Warrior Princess.

Monday April 9, 2012…8:32 p.m.

Kid Ink enters the stage, and immediately rallies up the crowd with several smokers’ anthems. The audience from afar seems nonchalant, but the standing audience is overly thrilled as reek of marijuana permeates the venue.

Monday April 9, 2012…9:15 p.m.

Talib Kweli and his lady were spotted getting a drink at the bar. When asked whom he was most excited to see, he replied, “I don’t know a lot of these acts, but I’m definitely excited to see Danny Brown.”

Monday April 9, 2012…9:17 p.m.

After her set, Iggy Azaela goes toward the barricades below the stage and takes time off to meet and greet with her fans.

Monday April 9, 2012…9:19 p.m.

The crowd started to chant for MGK and Hopsin.

Monday April 9, 2012…9:53 p.m.

Tech Nine arrives in the building to support Hopsin.

Monday April 9, 2012…10:10 p.m.

Macklemore humbly thanks XXL and the audience. He wraps up his set by celebrating his culture and brings out an Irish flag.

Monday April 9, 2012…10:15 p.m.

DJ Whoo Kid is spotted stage-side enjoying the concert, but is quickly put to work when the show’s left without a DJ between sets.

Monday April 9, 2012…10:20 p.m.

Hopsin stage dives into the crowd. While he stays afloat, the Cali rapper perfectly recites his lyrics.

Monday April 9, 2012…10:25 p.m.

Roscoe sits by the DJ booth as Hopsin takes the stage. He’d remain there for the rest of the night—occasionally reciting lyrics from fellow 2012 freshmen. He appreciates Hopsin’s set. “I fucks with that shit!” the rapper yelled as “Sag My Pants” hyped up the crowd.

Monday April 9, 2012…10:29 p.m.

Tech N9ne makes a special appearance and the crowd chants along to “Am I a Psycho?.”

Monday April 9, 2012…10:39 p.m.

Danny Brown enters the stage rocking a ruler-patterned yellow sweat suit and turns things up with “Blunts After Blunts.”

Monday April 9, 2012…10:43 p.m.

The crowd surprisingly boos Danny Brown.

Monday April 9, 2012…10:51 p.m.

Future sets the place ablaze with “Tony Montana.”

Monday April 9, 2012…10:55 p.m.

Dante Ross, a music industry OG and the current manager of Action Bronson, is spotted chatting with Macklemore and Hopsin’s manager.

Monday April 9, 2012…11:00 p.m.

At the side entrance when he was arriving, French Montana rolled in with a group of 19 affiliates, which was followed by a separate group of 18 acquaintances.

Monday April 9, 2012…11:36 p.m.

Roscoe Dash stands behind the DJ booth on stage and raps every verse to French Montana’s “Stay Schemin’.”

Monday April 9, 2012…11:54 p.m.

While most freshmen left after their performances, Kid Ink, Macklemore, Hopsin and Roscoe Dash stuck around to catch a glimpse of Machine Gun Kelly’s performance.